Motorcycle Sport Leisure – August 2026

Summary

Norton Manx R returns as a legend reborn in Motorcycle Sport and Leisure August 2026 — TVS investment pays off as the British marque launches a modern interpretation of the Isle of Man TT-winning nameplate, while Ducati's DesertX is tested on-road and trail and the Bologna brand's centennial is celebrated with a 100-year highlight reel.

The Norton Manx R (page 52) is the headline test — a modern 650 cc parallel-twin inspired by the 1960s TT winner. Ducati DesertX (page 12) is tested as a sand dancer on and off-road. Indian Chief Vintage (page 22) is reviewed as super-cool super-retro American cruiser. The Ducati Centennial feature (page 32) covers 100 years of the Bologna brand with photographic highlights. News covers the 2026 Bike Shed Show and the Knight Ride adventure festival. The touring section covers Historic Staffordshire (Day Ride), a hire bike in Portugal (Mid Ride) and Northern Spain on a classic Sunbeam (Long Ride).

Kevin Cameron (page 98) provides technical insight. Richard Millington (page 69) offers travel hints and tips. Back In The Day (page 44) remembers the Isle of Man in 1962.

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Content Guide

▸ Cover Story / Norton Manx R

p.52 · Norton Manx R
TVS investment pays off. The 650 cc parallel-twin modern classic is inspired by the 1960s Manx Norton TT winner. The review covers the 47 bhp A2-compliant output, the tubular steel frame and the twin-shock rear suspension. The author rates it for classic-style riders who want modern reliability. Buyers get a specification comparison against the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and the Moto Guzzi V7.

▸ Dual-Sport Test

p.12 · Ducati DesertX
Tested on-road and trail as a sand dancer. The 937 cc Testastretta L-twin, 210-mm suspension travel and 21-inch front wheel are rated for desert terrain and highway cruising. The review notes it is not the same bike as it looks — the electronics package requires active management off-road. Adventure riders get a tyre-pressure recommendation for sand riding.

▸ Cruiser Test

p.22 · Indian Chief Vintage
Super-cool super-retro V-twin cruiser. The 1,811 cc Thunderstroke engine, 100 bhp output and 350-kg wet weight are tested for highway comfort and boulevard presence. The author recommends it for riders who prioritise style over cornering speed.

▸ Centennial Feature

p.32 · Ducati Centennial
100 years of the Bologna brand. The feature covers the highlights from 1926 to 2026: the early radio components, the Cucciolo engine, the 750 Supersport, the 916, the Monster and the modern Panigale. Each era is illustrated with period photography. New Ducati fans get a decade-by-decade brand history.

▸ Touring

p.64 · Day Ride — Historic Staffordshire
A one-day tour through Staffordshire covering historic landmarks, country pubs and the best A-road riding routes.

p.70 · Mid Ride — A Hire Bike in Portugal
The experience of renting a motorcycle in Portugal: the hire process, the road conditions, the fuel costs and the best routes through the Algarve.

p.76 · Long Ride — Northern Spain on a Classic Sunbeam
A long-distance tour through northern Spain on a vintage Sunbeam, covering the challenges of classic motorcycle touring in the 21st century.

▸ Regulars

p.6 · News
Bike Shed Show 2026 preview, Knight Ride adventure festival dates and accessory launch news.

p.44 · Back In The Day
On the Isle of Man in 1962 — a period look at the TT races from over 60 years ago.

p.94 · Tried and Tested
Product reviews of riding gear including new helmet and boot releases.

p.98 · Kevin Cameron
Motorcycling insight with technical analysis of engine design trends.

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Editor's Take

The Norton Manx R is the issue's most newsworthy test — the return of a legendary TT nameplate under TVS ownership is a genuine motorcycle industry story. The Ducati DesertX test is thorough but the note that the electronics require active management is an important caveat that most pre-release coverage missed. The Ducati Centennial feature is well-executed but the 100-year format means nothing gets more than a paragraph; the 916 era deserved a full page. The Indian Chief Vintage test covers a niche that MSL's readership largely ignores. The Northern Spain tour on a classic Sunbeam is a charming feature but a classic Sunbeam owner is a tiny demographic. The news section covers the Bike Shed Show well. Kevin Cameron's column on engine design is the technical highlight.

Strengths
• Norton Manx R test covers a genuine industry revival story
• DesertX electronics caveat is honest journalism
• Ducati Centennial feature is well-illustrated

Weaknesses
• Centennial format spreads coverage too thin
• Sunbeam tour targets a tiny demographic

Verdict: Recommended — The Norton Manx R test makes it essential for British-marque followers.